Tribes in New Mexico concerned about bill for non-Indian tracks

Friday, March 6, 2015  

Casino Hollywood at San Felipe Pueblo in New Mexico. Photo from Facebook

New Mexico tribes are raising concerns about a bill that seeks to treat non-Indian racetracks in a manner similar to their casinos.

Five tribes have negotiated a new Class III gaming compact that addresses credit, free play and other operational issues. Senate Bill 706 would extend similar provisions to the tracks but it's facing opposition in Indian Country.

“It was supposed to be a parity bill. We’re just feeling it goes a little beyond that,” Debra Haaland, the administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, told The Albuquerque Journal.

Not all tribes have signed the new compact because their existing agreement run through 2037. But they have the option of doing so.

Of the five tribes that did sign the compact, four have agreements that expire in June.

Get the Story:
Bill would boost racetrack casinos (The Albuquerque Journal 3/6)

Laguna Pueblo supports Class III casino compact in New Mexico (3/5)
New Mexico lawmakers advance new Class III gaming compact (3/2)
Tribes share nearly $16M in casino revenues with New Mexico (2/26)
Updated Class III gaming compacts get hearing in New Mexico (2/24)